Sudan to outlaw female genital mutilation
Sudan has one of the highest rates of FGM in the world. According to the UN, 87% of Sudanese women have undergone the practice.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Seychelles extends marine protection area to twice the size of Great Britain
The move fulfills the country’s long-standing pledge to safeguard 30% of its marine waters.
Malawi legalizes cannabis amid hopes of fresh economic growth
The country follows in the footsteps of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Lesotho, neighboring south-east African states that have legalized medicinal cannabis, as well as South Africa, where medicinal and recreational use was decriminalized in 2018.
Madagascar commits to planting 60 million trees
To celebrate 60 years of independence, Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina has pledged to plant 60 million new trees and restore the island to the green haven it once was.
New $8 million greenhouse nursery makes Nigeria self-sufficient in tomato production
It has the capacity to process 350 million tonnes of hybrid tomato seedlings per season enabling the planting of 12000 hectares of tomato farm.
Botswanan company brings plant-based meats to Sub-Saharan Africa
Infinite Foods, a subsidiary of Botswana-based Accite Holdings, plans to tackle Africa’s nutrition problem in a more sustainable way by promoting plant-based food products across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Senegal is constructing wind farm that will supply electricity to 2 million people
The Taliba N’Diaye wind farm, West Africa’s largest, will be completed by mid this year and will supply 158MW of clean energy and increase the country’s energy supply by 15%.
Endangered mountain gorilla population continues to rise
According to a new census, the mountain gorilla population in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has increased. Overall, the global wild population is now estimated at 1,063.
Zambia halts mining permits in pristine wilderness
Besides being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park is 1,500 square miles of classic African bush (about half the size of Yellowstone).
France returns historical sword stolen in the 19th century back to Senegal
The French Prime Minister, Philippe said giving back Saidou Tall’s saber was “the first step” in a project tailored at returning more west African artifacts that are currently in French museums.